Should You Still Take the ACT or SAT during COVID?

I strongly recommend giving at least one test a try if it’s safe for you to do so. Both SAT and ACT are following CDC recommendations about social distancing at their test centers and are either requiring (SAT) or recommending (ACT) that test-takers wear masks (staff are required to do so). The bottom line is that standardized tests give you opportunities. Due to the ongoing effects of COVID, there may simply be fewer data points overall, depending on your circumstances, for admission teams to evaluate (examples: fewer AP test scores, classes that are now pass/fail and don’t count toward your GPA, and limited or canceled extracurricular activities), so SAT and ACT scores may provide that all-important distinguishing factor for admissions and merit-based aid decisions. Having solid test scores on hand will give you a wider array of options when it comes to colleges and may be necessary for scholarship applications.

When should I take the SAT or ACT?

Plan to take your first official sitting of either test as early as you feel comfortable and ready from a test prep perspective. I recommend no later than in the spring of 11th grade. That will leave you with plenty of time to get your scores, and if you want to raise them, plan for any targeted follow-up prep and a second official sitting. After all, there’s no way to know if a testing date will have to be canceled due to COVID-19—the sooner you act, the more time you have to react! There’s nothing wrong with taking the test a second time if you didn’t get the scores you were hoping for the first time out. If you are happy with your scores, you could consider giving the other test a try, or just check scores off your list and use 12th-grade fall to focus on crafting your applications and essays.

Download our SAT/ACT study guide here.

Historically, both the SAT and ACT have been given 7 times a year. With COVID-19 related cancellations in 2020, however, both College Board and ACT, Inc. are working to expand the availability of both tests, including with new testing centers, additional ACT test dates, a new SAT administration in September, and a potential new SAT test date in January. While I would love to include a test date calendar for you to consult below, these dates may no longer be accurate by the time you get your hands on this book! Check the official College Board and ACT websites to get the latest schedules.

The bottom line: both the SAT and ACT are held multiple times a year, and both the College Board and ACT are making serious efforts to ensure you’ll be able to take these exams in a safe way. It’s possible that centers near you may have fewer seats than usual. Some states may have lower capacity and, in densely populated cities, students may have a harder time finding available seats than in less densely populated places. That’s why it’s important to register for the test date you’re planning on as early as you can.